[andy bird]

Written Combat Report Reads:

Beaufighter "A," one of three Beaufighter's of No: 404 Squadron, escorting six Hampdens on a shipping strike off the Norwegian coast sighted one Ha.138 about 1,000 yards distant. A/404 approached enemy aircraft from dead astern, opening fire at 600 yards and closing to within 100 yards. 652 rounds fired. Both port and starboard engines of the Ha138 were seen to burst into flames, with dense clouds of black smoke pouring from them. The enemy aircraft was seen to be losing height rapidly. At this point A/404 found itself over an enemy convoy which the Ha138 had been escorting. A/404 met very heavy accurate flak from the escort vessels directly beneath, and was hit in the port engine, which caught fire. Hit were also received in the hydraulic system which caused the port wheel to drop down. The pilot swiftly reacted turning A/404 sharply to port and, at the same time, sighted two Fw190s which were crossing his bow at 600 yards range. Beaufighter A/404 fired a short burst at the rear Fw190 and then dived to sea level.
At this point the flames from the port engine subsided and A/404 set course for base. After five minutes, he over took the formation of Hampdens and escorted them for a further twenty minutes (20 minutes) before returning alone to base were he made a successful crash landing.

Hope this helps?

Kind Regards

Andy Bird